Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Dali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dali or Chongqing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dali and Chongqing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dali or Chongqing?
Dali
Dali is a city in southern China with a long and glorious history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Xiaguan neighborhood of the city is the modern industrial center where most public transportation arrives; however, the Old Town of Dali is the place that draws the most visitors. Being one of China's ancient cities, Dali is said to have been a gateway to the Silk Road, and still attracts attention with its traditional architecture, beautiful scenery, ethnic cultures, and nightlife.
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
-
Dali Prices
China PricesChongqing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDali $62Chongqing $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Dali is $62, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $106. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dali and Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDali $17Chongqing $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDali $34Chongqing $100
Compare Hotels in Dali and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Dali or Chongqing? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dali $9.34Chongqing $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dali
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dali:
-
Local Bus$0.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dali
Also for Dali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dali Airport Chauffeur Service, Private Dali Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG): $149
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- [Airport Transfer] Chongqing Airport ⇔ Chongqing City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $23
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) : $60
- Private One Way Transfer (English Service) between Airport & Hotel & Cruise Port: $99
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $39
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chongqing: $24
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Hotel: $39
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park: $156
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings: $134
- Chongqing Airport Private Transfer : $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Dali or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing and Dali change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayDali $32Chongqing $43
Typical Food Prices in Dali
For Dali, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$4.49
-
Breakfast$3.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dali
For Dali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cangshan Mountain hike and organic homemade dinner: $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- 3 HR Chongqing Food Tour: $110
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Magical Chongqing Art Performance and Food Tour: $297
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dali $18Chongqing $14
Tours and Activities in Dali
For Dali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Dali City Tour with Private Guide: $71
- Yunnan Dali Erhai 3 Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple One Day Tour: $74
- Zhoucheng Village Tie Dyeing Private Experience: $87
- Jizu Mountain Private Tour: $87
- Dali XIzhou Ancient Town Private Tour: $87
- Shaxi Ancient Town Private Tour: $99
- Private tour to Xizhou old town local market Erhai lake three Pagodas from Dali: $184
- Dali Private Tour to Xizhou Ancient Town and Erhai Lake : $186
- Private hiking tour to Cangshan Mountain from Dali: $190
- 1-Day Dali tour with the Daili old town, Xizhou Village and Three Pagodas: $195
- Dali Yunnan Local Market Pottery Making Eco Tour: $197
- 2-Days Self-Guided tour from Dali to Lijiang and overnight in Shaxi old town: $205
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Chongqing Megacity Walking Tour: $117
- 1 Day Private Tour to UNESCO Dazu Rock Carvings from Chongqing: $156
- 1 Day Private tour to Chongqing Wulong National Geology Park: $168
- 1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch: $157
- 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
- All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour: $220
- Chongqing 10 Hour Private Customized City Tour: $161
- Chongqing 1949 Ticket Epic Historical Spectacle: $41
- Chongqing Heritage Tour with Hands-on Crafts and Teahouse Visit: $129
- Chongqing Luxury Hot Spring and Massage Luxury Meal Private Tour: $10
- Chongqing Nanshan Mountain all-in-one-day sightseeing tour: $83
- Chongqing Private 816 Nuclear Military Plant Tour: $254
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDali $11Chongqing $7.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dali and Chongqing, we can see that Chongqing is more expensive. And not only is Dali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dali and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chongqing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chongqing than you might in Dali.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dali Expensive? and Is Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dali or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dali. When comparing the sizes of Dali and Chongqing, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.